About

I am JaNay Brown-Wood, PhD. I am a mother, wife, scholar, educator, literacy advocate, and a children's book author. One of my charges includes working to combat the equity gap that exists within the educational system in the United States, and I believe addressing inequities within literacy is one way toward ameliorating the gap!

My Background

I grew up in Fresno, California where I was educated through the Fresno Unified School District. I was enrolled in the Gifted and Talented Education (G.A.T.E.) program at Aynesworth Elementary school, then promoted to a magnet school called Edison Computech, and finally, to Sunnyside High School where I graduated as a valedictorian. During these years, I realized that I had a passion for writing (especially stories and poetry), dramatic arts, psychology and child development, and education. These passions led me to complete a BA in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology from UCLA, an MA in Child Development from Sacramento State, and ultimately, to a PhD in Education at UC Davis.

My Experience

I have spent most of my career learning about child development and how to support young learners, working with adults to educate them on children, as well as working with children in various settings ranging from Early Childhood Education environments, to expanded learning programs (Before and After School, Summer Programs, etc.).

I have a vast amount of experience within the field and thoroughly enjoy working with children of all ages, as well as adult learners! Some of my experience includes

Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Development, California State University, Sacramento
Early Childhood Education Professor at American River College and Folsom Lake
Youth Service Specialist, Sacramento City Unified School District
Summer camp Site Supervisor
After School Program Manager
Preschool and Infant/Toddler Teacher
Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Curriculum Consultant
Sensitivity Reader

JaNay's Children's Books

I have over twenty children's publications, ranging from board books, picture books, chapter books, to poems included in magazines and poetry anthologies.